An isolated supercell thunderstorm explosively developed southwest of Carlsbad during the early evening of Friday the 6th. This storm produced giant hail up to the size of tennis balls and two tornadoes as it slowly propagated east-northeast across Eddy and Lea Counties. The most significant damage occurred in Carlsbad when very large hail disrupted the start of a "Relay for Life" cancer benefit where several hundred people were gathered outdoors. Thanks to early warnings, emergency management officials were able to get people attending the event to shelter indoors. Although no injuries resulted, the hail caused nearly a million dollars worth of damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles throughout the city.Storm spotters observed two tornadoes as the evolving high precipitation supercell tracked over rural areas of eastern Eddy County. The tornadoes were short-lived and remained over open range land near New Mexico State Highway 128.The supercell storm eventually dissipated as it approached Eunice in eastern Lea County during the late evening hours. Hail up to the size of half dollars was reported as the storm weakened just west of the city.

Hail in LEA, NEW MEXICO
From 06-MAY-05 20:04:00 to 06-MAY-05 20:06:00 (MST)
Location: EUNICE
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Quarter to half dollar size hail was reported by law enforcement officials and storm spotters along New Mexico State Highway 176 west of Eunice to Oil Center.

Flash Flood in EDDY, NEW MEXICO
From 06-MAY-05 17:32:00 to 06-MAY-05 19:30:00 (MST)
Location: CARLSBAD
Property damage: 0
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Storm spotters and emergency management officials reported that flash flooding resulted in six to eight inches of rapidly running water flowing through several streets in the southern parts of Carlsbad. San Jose Boulevard was rendered impassable by the flood waters.

Hail in EDDY, NEW MEXICO
From 06-MAY-05 17:14:00 to 06-MAY-05 17:14:00 (MST)
Location: CARLSBAD
Magnitude: 2.00 
Property damage: 100K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Hen egg size hailstones mixed with smaller hail just south of downtown Carlsbad. Storm spotters and local officials reported damage to area vehicles and homes.

Thunderstorm Wind in EDDY, NEW MEXICO
From 06-MAY-05 18:02:00 to 06-MAY-05 18:02:00 (MST)
Location: CARLSBAD
Magnitude: 52 EG
Property damage: 15K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A spotter reported that several utility poles were blown down by thunderstorm winds along U.S. Highway 285 southeast of Carlsbad.

Hail in EDDY, NEW MEXICO
From 06-MAY-05 18:45:00 to 06-MAY-05 18:50:00 (MST)
Location: CARLSBAD
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Storm spotters reported ping pong ball size hail along New Mexico Route 128 and near the Department of Energy WIPP Site in eastern Eddy County.

Hail in EDDY, NEW MEXICO
From 06-MAY-05 17:22:00 to 06-MAY-05 17:22:00 (MST)
Location: CARLSBAD
Magnitude: 2.50 
Property damage: 150K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Golfball hail with sporadic tennis ball size hailstones were reported in Carlsbad. Several skylights were broken and vehicles were damaged along the Pecos River just south of the downtown area.

Hail in EDDY, NEW MEXICO
From 06-MAY-05 17:09:00 to 06-MAY-05 17:14:00 (MST)
Location: CARLSBAD
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 700K
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A large swath of penny to golfball size hail affected the area from four miles southwest of Carlsbad, northeastward over the city, to approximately six miles east-southeast along New Mexico State Highway 128. Widespread damage to homes and businesses, including roof damage as well as broken windows and skylights, was reported. Additionally, many vehicles were damaged, including 200+ cars at two Carlsbad dealerships.

Tornado in EDDY, NEW MEXICO
From 06-MAY-05 18:26:00 to 06-MAY-05 18:26:00 (MST)
Location: CARLSBAD
Tornado F-scale: F0
Property damage: 0
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A Skywarn Spotter observed a second tornado in open range land along New Mexico State Highway 128 in eastern Eddy County. This tornado was relatively small and short-lived. No damage was reported.

Tornado in EDDY, NEW MEXICO
From 06-MAY-05 18:18:00 to 06-MAY-05 18:19:00 (MST)
Location: CARLSBAD
Tornado F-scale: F0
Property damage: 0
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A Skywarn Spotter observed the first of two tornadoes in eastern Eddy County. The tornado was described as being "fairly wide" and was located in open range land near New Mexico State Highway 128. No damage resulted from the tornado.